Housecleaning Before Vacay - Who Does That?

We are heading on vacation tomorrow so that means I'm cleaning the house today. My mom always hated coming home to a dirty house, so I must have inherited that trait from her. 

I don't go all Spring-Cleaning-Crazy, I just do the basics.

1. Vacuum. This is the most important and often the last thing I do. We have a dog, a cat and a guinea pig so hair and dander is abundant. When I enter the door a week after I left I don't want to be hit with an overwhelming smell of dog. 

2. Bathe the dog. If she doesn't go with us, I usually give Maggie a bath because she stays with Gram & Gramp. She's getting out of the spa treatment due to having it last week for the wedding. Gram & Gramp will be joining us theregore Maggie will have a pet sitter this week. I'm hoping all goes well since last time she had a sitter, she was a hellion.

Don't let her 13 year old face fool you. She's a lab. "Nuff said.

3. Clean the bathrooms. Guys are gross, plan and simple. Let the nastiness set for a week, even grosser. Is that a word? Must be, spellcheck didn't freak out.

4. Wash all the dirty dishes. If I have to, I'll run a load as I'm leaving.

5. Make sure laundry is done. I actually did laundry yesterday since the guys were running out of underwear and didn't have anything clean to wear. They can be such divas. Nonetheless, I'll be bringing home dirty laundry and who would want to come home to a pile of dirty laundry that has been sitting for a week.

6. Wipe down counters. Clorox wipes or my favorite scent of Meyers, leaves a nice fragrance in the air.

How can you find romance in cleaning the house? Have your honey help, you will appreciate it and make sure you show your appreciation later. Or... ask for a nice back or foot massage later. Remember what I said about touch? Check out my post Touch Me, Babe.

Okay...I'm ready. Time to pack.

Do you clean the house before leaving for vacation?

Thursday 13 - Sweet Romance Every Day

Lasting romance isn't constant grand gestures proclaiming love, 

it's the little every day things that keep love in the air.

Sometimes all you need is a sweet gesture to make your day. It doesn't matter if you're just starting your relationship or you've been in it for a the long haul already, the little every day things remind you that there is a lot of love around you. 

Here's a list of a few suggestions of sweet gestures to bring romance into your every day life.

1. Hold hands in the car.

2. Write a little love note and hide it in a place you're honey will find it.

3. Climb onto his lap when watching TV.

4. Prepare a meal together.

5. Out of the blue, look into your honey's eyes and say, "I love you."

6. Spend time with your honey participating in their favorite hobby.

7. Whisper something loving or naughty in their ear in the middle of the day.

8. Send a text to your honey telling something you like about about him/her.

9. Stop on the way home from work and pick up your honey's favorite dessert.

10. Make morning coffee and set out a treat for your honey some morning.

11. Tap a post-it note on the bathroom mirror with a loving message.

12. Watch a movie together, share popcorn and a blanket.

13. Give each other a massage.

Sweet whispers.

It's all in the sweet romantic gestures.

Love isn't in expensive gifts and extravagant trips, it's in the details. 

Love is in giggles, whispers, gentle touches, sharing time, caring for each other 

and simply bringing a smile to each other's faces.

To find more cool lists 

VISIT THURSDAY 13  

for other amazing writers who are participating in the fun!

Touch Me, Babe

Listening to an old tune from The Doors while in a Covid lock-down inspired this post.

The media has featured how people are suffering depression and isolation because of not being able to be social. This lack of in-person communication and lack of personal touch plays havoc with the psyche.

Sure, sexual touches help with physical intimacy and keeps a relationship fresh and exciting. Touch between lovers, is a subtle reminder of the connection. But non-sexual touch is important too. A touch is reassuring and uplifting. It feels like some else understands us, relates with us and connects to us. A simple touch is a sign of trust, and the comfort reduces anxiety.

A touch makes you feel more loved, safe, and happy. The humblest movement leads to a happier, healthier you! Next time you touch someone or are touched, take note of how you feel.

Today's exercise:

Hold a hand

Give a hug

Tickle someone

Play footsie

Yeah! Come on, come on, come on, come on
Now touch me, babe

The Doors - Touch Me

With today's Covid-19 restrictions on wearing masks, washing hands, 6' apart...we need to make an effort to do the little things that matter. Subtle touches to a hand or shoulder can make a huge  difference in someone's life. Higher rates of people are suffering from depression. Reach out and touch another.

Time for a Yogi Tea Moment

After a week filled with copious amounts of amazing homemade food and drink, my body is demanding a detox. Some people purge, do liquid diets for days, or simply change their diet by increasing fiber, leafy greens and vitamin C. My go-to is the Yogi Tea "DeTox".

I've tried DeTox tea in a variety of flavors: 

Berry

Peach

Roasted Dandelion Spice

Original DeTox

I like the Dandelion and Spice as well as the original teas. The Ayurvedic blend of cleansing herbs creates a warm, comforting tea. The subtle licorice flavor and spices are my thing. The tea is best served hot. Pour boiling water over the tea bag and steep for at least 7 minutes. Today is hot and humid so I steeped mine a bit longer and added a few ice cubes. Very tasty and hydrating!

After a cup, I feel refreshed and balanced. If I were home, I'd do a few moments of yoga or meditation. At my work desk, I'll close my eyes and drink slowly, enjoying and savoring the flavors.